Babar Azam Unveils Key Factor Behind Pakistan’s Stunning ODI World Cup Defeat to Afghanistan: ‘We Had a Solid Total, But…'”

In a dramatic turn of events, Afghanistan emerged victorious, dealing a heavy blow to Babar Azam’s Pakistan in the World Cup. Pakistan’s captain expressed his disappointment, acknowledging his team’s lackluster bowling performance following an eight-wicket defeat to Afghanistan.

In this thrilling clash, Afghanistan successfully chased down a target of 283 runs with six balls to spare. The opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113 balls) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53 balls) played pivotal roles in securing this remarkable win. Further contributions from Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, with 77 not out and 48 not out, respectively, extended Afghanistan’s reputation as giant-killers in the tournament, having previously shocked defending champions England.

“We had a good total, but in bowling, we were not up to the mark because we weren’t taking wickets in the middle overs,” admitted Babar Azam at the post-match presentation. He emphasized the critical nature of all-round performance in a World Cup and credited Afghanistan for their outstanding performance.

Pakistan’s troubles extended beyond the bowling department. Babar Azam expressed concerns about their overall cricketing performance, particularly in bowling and fielding, and highlighted the pitch’s assistance to spinners in the second innings.

On the other side, Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, expressed his satisfaction with the victory and praised his team’s professional chase. He vowed to continue playing positive cricket for their nation, highlighting the impressive performance of their spin bowlers.

Ibrahim Zadran, awarded the Player of the Match for his pivotal 87-run contribution, emphasized the importance of playing with a positive intent. He reflected on his partnership with Gurbaz and their journey from the Under-16 level.

Former captain and senior player Mohammad Nabi celebrated the historic win, acknowledging the significance of beating Pakistan, a bitter rival with whom they had a long history of losses. The Afghan team’s newfound confidence after victories against England and Pakistan was evident, marking a fantastic turning point in their cricketing journey.